Compositions comprising 7{60 -methyl-17{60 -lkylated estradiols

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to novel 7 Alpha -methyl-17 Alpha alkylated estradiols and processes for their preparation; more particularly to those compounds embraced by the formula (11)   WHEREIN R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, the acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from one through 12 carbon atoms, an alkyl radical containing from one through 8 carbon atoms, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 5substituted tetrahydropyranyl, and a silyl   SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF ALKYL OF ONE THROUGH EIGHT CARBON ATOMS AND PHENYL, R&#39;&#39; is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl and 1-propynyl, and R&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, the acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from one through 12 carbon atoms, and a silyl radical of the formula   It also relates to 7 Alpha -methyl-17 Alpha -alkenylestradiols (11a) and their preparation.

United States Ptent- [72] Inventors John C. Babcock;

J. Allan Campbell, both of Kalamazoo, Mich. [2]] Appl. No. 666,466 [22] Filed Sept. 8, 1967 [45] Patented Dec. 7, I971 [73] Assignee The Upjohn Company Kalamazoo, Mich. Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 114,621, June 5, 1961, now Patent No. 3,341,557, Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 69,557, Nov. 6, 1960, now abandoned. This application Sept. 8, 1967, Ser. No. 666,466

[54] COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING 7 a-METHYL-I7 or ALKYLATED ESTRADIOLS 6 Claims, No Drawings [52] 11.8. CI 424/238, 260/397.5, 260/239.55, 260/397.4, 195/51 [51] Int. Cl .C07c169/08 [50] Field of Search 260/3975 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,318,929 5/1967 Anner et al. 260/397.4 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,434,174 2/1966 France 260/3975 1,434,175 2/1966 France 260/3975 Primary E.ramr'nerElbert L. Roberts Allorneys-willard L. Cheesman and John Kekich CLAIMr This invention relates to novel 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiols and processes for their preparation; more partieularly 1 9$ sea ee m eedbyt FPFIlJlU wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen.

the acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from one through 12 carbon atoms, an alkyl radical containing from one through 8 carbon atoms, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, S-substituted tetrahydropyranyl. and a silyl radical of the formula carbon carboxylic acid containing from one through 12 carbon atoms, and a silyl radical of the formula where R R and R have the same meaning as above. It also relates to 7a-methyl-l7a-alkenylestradiols (Ila) and their preparation.

COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING 7a-MET1HYL- 1 7a- ALKYLATED ESTRADIOLS CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of Application Ser. No. 114,621, filed June 5, 1961, now Pat. No. 3,341,557 which is in turn a continuation-in-part of abandoned Application Ser. No. 69,557, filed Nov. 6, 1960.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiols of Formula 11, above, wherein R is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, can be prepared by the known methods described below.

1. By treating 7a-methylestrone (I) (or the 3-methyl ether, 3-cyclopentyl ether, or 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether with an alkyl-lithium (e.g., methyl lithium, ethyl lithium, propyl lithiurn, butyl lithium, etc.) to yield the corresponding 7a-methyll7a-alkylestradiol (II), or its S-ether. The reaction is conducted advantageously in the presence of an inert solvent such as ether, benzene, toluene, etc. The lithium compound is employed advantageously in excess of the stoichiometric proportion, preferably in an amount of at least 1.5 moles per mole of starting material (II).

2. By treating 7a-methylestrone (l) (or its 3-ether with an appropriate Grignard reagent, i.e., an alkyl magnesium halide such as methyl magnesium bromide, ethylmagnesium bromide, propylmagnesium bromide, isopropylmagnesium iodide, butyl magnesium iodide, etc., in the presence of a solvent such as ether, tetrahydrofuran, benzene and the like, to produce the corresponding 7a-methy1-17a-alkylestradiol (II), or its 3-ether. Preferably, the Grignard reagent is employed in an excess of the order of 10 moles per mole of starting material (11).

3. By hydrogenating a 7a-methyl-l7a-alkynylestradiol (or its 3-ether or 3acylate), e.g., in the presence of a suitable hydrogenation catalyst (such as palladium on charcoal) to obtain the corresponding 7a-methyl-l7aalkylestradiol (11), its 3-ether or 3-acylate. The 7a-methyl-17a-alkynylestradiol starting materials are prepared by treating 7a-methylestrone (l) (or its 3-ether) with an alkali metal derivative such as sodium acetylide, sodium methylacetylide, potassium acetylide, potassium methylacetylide, etc., in the presence of an inert solvent such as dioxane, dimethylformamide or dimethylsulfoxide.

The 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiols of Formula 11, above, wherein R is l-propynyl, can be prepared by treating 7a-methylestrone (l) (or the 3-methyl ether, 3-cyclopentyl ether, or 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether) with a 2-butynylhalomagnesium Grignard reagent (prepared from a l-halo-Z-butyne and magnesium in ether), to yield 7a-methyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol (II), or its 3-ether.

The 3-ethers of the 7a-methyl l7a-alkylated estradiols of Formula 11, above, can also be prepared by the known methods described below.

1. By treating a 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol ([1) in accordance with the procedures disclosed in British Pat. No.

909,662, i.e., with an alkyl (or cycloalkyl) halide and an alkali metal alkylate, preferably at reflux temperature, to give a 3- alkyl (or cycloalkyl) ether of the 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol (ll).

2. By treating a 7a-methyll 7a-alkylated estradiol (II) with an alkylating agent (e.g., a dialkylsulfate) in conventional manner, to give a 3-alkyl ether of the 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol (ll).

3. By treating a 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol ([1) with a cyclic enol ether (e.g., dihydrofuran, dihydropyran, 5- hydroxymethyldihydropyran, 5-carboxydihydropyran, etc.) at low temperature, preferably in the presence of an acidic catalyst (e.g. phosphorus oxychloride), to give the corresponding 3-ether (e.g. tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 5-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyranyl, etc.) of the 7:!- methyl- 1 7a-alkylated estradiol (ll).

4. By treating a 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol (II) with a diazoalkane (e.g. diazomethane, dliazoethane, diazobutane, etc.) at ambient temperature in an inert solvent such as ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, etc., to give the corresponding 3a.lkyl ether of the 7a-methyll 7a-alkylated estradiol (ll).

5. By treating a 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol (1]) with a disilazane of the formula 3,

wherein R,, R and R have the same meaning as above (e.g., hexamethyldisilazane, symmetrical diphenyltetramethyldisilazane, l-methyl-l ,1-dibutyl-3-phenyl-3,3-dimethyldisilazane, hexa-amyldisilazane, etc.) to yield a corresponding 3- silyl ether of the.7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol (II) and 3,17-bissilyl ether of 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol (II), which can be separated by conventional procedures.

The 3-acylates of the compounds of formula 11, above, are prepared by known methods for the esterification of 3-hydroxysteroids, for example, by treating the appropriate 7a-methyll7a-alkylated estradiol (II), wherein R is hydrogen, with the desired organic carboxylic acid anhydride (or chloride) in the presence of an esterification catalyst, such as pyridine, at from about 0 to 30 C.

The 3,17-diacylates of the compounds of formula II, above, are prepared by known methods for the diesterification of 3,17-dihydroxysteroids, e.g., by treating the appropriate 7amethyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol (11), wherein R and R" are hydrogen, with the desired organic carboxylic acid anhydride (or chloride) in refluxing pyridine. When R is alkyl, the corresponding 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiol 3-ether 17- acylate (11) is obtained by the foregoing procedure.

The l7-esters of the compounds of formula [1, above, wherein R is alkyl, are also prepared by mixing together the appropriate 7a-methyl-l 7a-alkylated estradiol (11) and an organic carboxylic acid in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride. The foregoing procedure when applied to compounds of formula II wherein R is hydrogen, first yields the 3,17-diesters; mild alkaline hydrolysis of the thus produced compounds, or chromatography through a column of alumina (Grade 11) (basic) removes the 3-es'ter group and yields the 17-monoesters.

The 7a-methylestrone (1) starting material of 1) and (2), above, can be prepared by several known methods described below.

1. By fennentation of 7a-methyl-l'9-nortestosterone (l) or 7oz-methyl-19-nor-4-androstene-3,l7-dione with a micro-organism or its enzymes capable ofintroducing a double bond in the 1(2) or 1(2)- and 4(5)- positions of the sterioid nucleus, e.g. Corynebaclerium simplex or Seplomyxa affinis, to yield methylestrone (l).

2. By catalytically dehydrogenating 7a-methyll 9-nor-4-androstene-3,l7-dione at the 1(2)-positions, e.g., by heating in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst (e.g., palladium on charcoal) in a high boiling solvent (e.g., cymene), to give 70:- methylestrone (l).

3. By treating 7a-methyl-l9-nor-4-androstene-3,l7-dione with a chemical dehydrogenating agent, e.g., a quinone such as 2,3-dichloro-5,G-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) or 2,35,6- tetrachloro-l,4-benzoquinone (Chloranil), or selenium compounds such as selenium dioxide or dibenzoyloxy selenium oxide, to yield 7a-methylestrone (I).

4. By pyrolysis of 7a-methyl-1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione at elevated temperatures (e.g., between about 400 to 600 C. in high boiling diluents (e.g., heavy mineral oil) to give 7amethylestrone (l).

5. By treating 7a-methyl-1,4-androstadiene-3,l7-dione in accordance with the procedures described in J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 86, 742, i.e., with lithium and diphenyl in the presence of diphenyl methane and employing tetrahydrofuran as solvent, to yield 7a-methylestrone (l).

The 3-ethers of 7oz-methylestrone (I) can be prepared by the known methods described above for the preparation of the 3 ethers of 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylated estradiols (ll).

The 3-acylates of 7a-methylestrone (I) can be prepared by conventional procedures, by treating 7a-methylestrone (l) with the appropriate organic carboxylic acid anhydride (or chloride) at moderate temperatures in the presence of an esterification catalyst such as pyridine, to yield the corresponding 7a-methylestrone 3-acylate (1).

All of the compounds included within formulas l, 11 and lla, above, can be isolated from their respective reaction mixtures by conventional means, for example, when a water-miscible solvent is used, by pouring the reaction mixture into water and separating the resulting precipitate by filtration or by extraction with water-immiscible solvents. Additional purification of the products can be accomplished by conventional means, for example, by elution chromatography from an adsorbent column with a suitable solvent such as acetone, methanol, dilute methanol, ethanol, ether, methylene chloride and Skellysolve B (hexanes), mixtures and combinations of these solvents; also by gradient elution chromatography from an adsorbent column with a suitable mixture of solvents, such as, methylene chloride-Skellysolve B, acetone-Skellysolve B, and the like.

The compounds of formulas ll and [1a of the present invention are potent estrogens when administered either orally or parenterally; e.g., when assayed in rats by the Allen-Doisy test 7a,l7a-dimethyl estradiol was found to have approximately seven times the activity of estradiol. The compounds of formu la ll when administered to mammals, birds, and animals, are also active in lowering cholesterol in the blood, inhibiting gonadotropin secretion, producing anabolic response, especially in providing nitrogen retention, and in supplying calcium lost as a result of osteoporosis. ln addition, the compounds of formula II, when combined with progestins such as 60:- methyl-l7a-hydroxyprogesterone l7-acetate (Provers), 7:!- methyl- 1 7u-ethynyll 9-nortestosterone, l7a-hydroxy-6- methyll 6methylene-4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione l 7-acetate (Melengestrol acetate), l7-hydroxy-l9-nor-l7a-pregn-( l)- en-20-yn-3-one (Norethynordrel), l9-norl 7a-pregn-4-en- 20-yne-3B,l7-diol-diacetate (Ethynodiol diacetate), l7 hydroxyl 9-norl 7a-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one (Norethindrone), the corresponding l7-acetate (norethindrone acetate), 601,2 l-dimethyll 7fl-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-yn-3- one (Dimethisterone 6-chlorol 7a-hydroxy-4,6-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione l7-acetate, etc., are useful for the prevention of ovulation in mammals. The foregoing properties make the new compounds useful in veterinary practice.

The compounds of the invention can be prepared and administered to mammals, birds and animals, in a wide variety of oral or parenteral dosage forms, singly or in admixture with other coacting compounds. They can be administered with a pharmaceutical carrier which can be a solid material or a liquid in which the compound is dissolved, dispersed or suspended. The solid compositions can take the form of tablets, powders, capsules, pills, or the like, preferably in unit dosage forms for simple administration or precise dosages. The liquid compositions can take the form of solutions, emulsions, suspensions, syrups, or elixirs.

DETAILED DESCRlPTlON It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact details of operation or exact compositions shown and described herein, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and the invention is therefore to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

EXAMPLE 1 7a-methylestr0ne( 7a-methyl-2,3,5( l0)-estratrien-3-oll 7- one) (l) To l0 1. of sterile glucose-yeast extract medium there was added 'an inoculum of 500 ml. of Corynebacterium simplex ATCC 6946. The culture was stirred and aerated for about 48 hours at a temperature of about 28 C., lard oil being added to suppress the foam. After about 48 hours the pH was 6.1. To

the fermentor, l g. of 7a-methyl-19-nortestosterone, prepared as in Steroids l, 3l7, was added and aeration continued for about 24 hours. At this time the pH was 6.5. The beer was adjusted to pH 3 with hydrochloric acid and extracted four times with 3 1. of methylene chloride. Paper chromatography of an aliquot of the solvent extract indicated, b the Bush B-3 system, that essentially all of the 7a-methyl-l9-nortestosterone had been reacted and that two compounds showing the characteristics of aromatic A ring steroids were present. The less polar compound had the mobility of 7a methylestrone (l) and the more polar that of 7a-methylestradiol. The methylene chloride extracts were evaporated to dryness and the residues obtained used for isolating the fermentation products. The crude residue was dissolved in methylene chloride and chromatographed through 1 150 gm. Florisil (synthetic magnesium silicate) column packed wet with Skellysolve B(hexanes) and eluted with 400 ml. fractions by gradient elution between 5 l. of 4 percent acetone-Skellysolve B and 5 l. of 12 percent acetone-Skellysolve B. Fractions 4 through 7 gave well formed crystals. These fractions were combined and recrystallized from methanol with Darco (activated charcoal) treatment to give 0.45 g. of 7a-methylestrone (l), melting at 237 to 238 C.; krii zix. 280 mp; e=2,l00.

Anal. Calcd. for C,,H,,0,= C, 80.21; H, 8.51.

Found: C, 80.10; H, 8.34.

7oz-methylestradiol can be isolated from the more polar fractions.

EXAMPLE 2 7a-methylestrone (l) A sterile medium was prepared containing l0 l. of tap water, 20 g. of comsteep liquors and g. of commercial dextrose and adjusted to pH 5 with sodium hydroxide. This was inoculated with 500 ml. of a vegetative growth of Septomyxa afflnis (ATCC 6737) grown on the same medium. The culture was stirred and aerated at a rate of 0.l l./minute. At the end of about 24 hours the pH was 7. To the fermentor, 2 g. of '7a-methyl-l9-nortestosterone and 0.l g. of 3-ketobisnor-4- cholen-22-al dissolved in 20 ml. of N,N-dimethylformamide was added. Aeration was continued for about 48 hours, the pH adjusted to 3 and the beer extracted four times with methylene chloride. Paper chromatography indicated the presence of 7amethylestrone (l) in the extract. The product (1) can be isolated in accordance with the procedure described in example 1 to give essentially pure 7a-methylestrone (1) Following the procedure of examples 1 and 2 but substituting 7a-methyl-l9-nor-4-androstene-3,l7-dione for 7a-methyll9-nor-testosterone also yields 7a-methylestrone (l) EXAMPLE '3 7a-methylestrone (l) A mixture of 100 mg. of 7a-methyl-l9-nor-4-androstene- 3,17-dione, 40 mg. of 5 percent palladium on charcoal catalyst in 100 ml. of p-cymene (purified by passing through a column of alumina) was refluxed for about 1.5 hours. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate concentrated in a rotary evaporator. The residue was crystallized from ether to giyelS mg. of 7a-methylestrone (l), melting at 218 to 230 C., xiilfixi 279 p, e=2,l50. lnfrared spectral analysis indicates it is the same compound as prepared in examples 1 and 2. The product (I) can be further purified by recrystallization or chromotography to give pure 7a-methylestrone (1).

EXAMPLE 4 7a-methylestrone (I) To a solution of 100 mg. of 7a-methyl-l9-nor-4-androstene- 3,17-dione, 100 mg. of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) and 0.5 ml. of acetic acid in 3 ml. of dioxane, 2 drops of 2.8 N hydrochloric acid solution in dioxane was added. After standing for about 16 hours, methylene chloride was added to the mixture and the DB0 filtered off. The filtrate was dried and the solvent removed. The residue,

weighing about 30 mg., was triturated with methanol to give about 1 mg. of 7amethylestrone (I) with xrllix. 280 [.L, a==2,350. Infrared analysis indicated that the thus produced compound is the same as those prepared in examples 1, 2 and 3.

Following the procedure of example 4, but substituting selenium dioxide or tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil) for DDQ, also yields 7a'methylestrone (1).

EXAMPLE 5 7a-methylestrone (I) A pyrolysis tube (18 inches X 1 inch) equipped with thermocouples about 3 inches from each end and packed with glass tubing cut in about onequarter inch lengths was heated to about 550 C. and heavy mineral oil passed through at a rate of 5 ml./minute until constant temperature of 500 to 510 C. at the top and 540 to 560 C. at the bottom was obtained. A mixture of 10.4 g. of 7a-methyl'l,4-androstadiene-3,l7-dione and 500 ml. of heavy mineral oil mixed in a Waring blender was added at a rate of 5 mL/minute, maintaining the above temperatures. The effluent was refrigerated for several hours and the crystalline precipitate collected, washed thoroughly with Skellysolve B and dried to give 6.7 g. of crude 7amethylestrone (I). It was dissolved hot methylene chloride, cooled and poured on a 350 g. Florisil column packed wet with Skellysolve B and eluted with 400 ml. fractions by gradient elution between 5 l. of 4 percent acetone-Skellysolve B and 5 l. of 12 percent acetone-Skellysolve B. The desired product was contained in fractions through 21. The residues obtained from these fractions were combined and recrystallized from methanol to give 3.75 g. of 7amethylestrone (I), having a melting point of 230 to 235 C.; [a],,+l40 (chloroform); xfiiax. 279 p; F2,250. Its nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum confirms the proposed structure and infrared spectral analysis shows it is the same as the product obtained in examples 1, 2, 3 and 4.

EXAMPLE 6 7a-methylestrone (I) Treating 7a-methyl-l,4-androstadiene-3,l7-dione in accordance with the procedures described in J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 86 742, namely, with lithium and diphenyl in the presence of diphenyl methane and employing tetrahydrofuran as solvent, yields 7a-methylestrone (I).

EXAMPLE 7 7a-methylestrone 3-cyclopentyl ether (I) A mixture of l g. of 7a-methylestrone (I) and 1 g. of cyclopentyl bromide is added slowly to a solution of sodium ethylate (prepared from 0.1 g. of sodium and 8 ml. of absolute ethanol.) The reaction mixture is heated to reflux for about 4 hours, the ethanol removed by distillation and the residue treated with a small amount of water. A precipitate of 7amethylestrone 3-cyclopentyl ether (I) is obtained which is crystallized from a mixture of methylene chloride and methanol.

EXAMPLE 8 7a-methylestrone 3-methyl ether B) To 4 g. of 7a-methylestrone (I) in a solution containing 6.4 g. of potassium hydroxide, 14 ml. of water and 21 ml. of methanol, 14 ml. of dimethyl sulfate was added dropwise with stirring and cooling sufficient to keep the reaction temperature at 25 to C. At the same time a solution of 14 g. of potassium hydroxide in 28 ml. ofwater and 42 ml. of methanol was added dropwise at a rate that kept the pH of the reaction mixture about 10. The addition of the dimethylsufate required about 30 minutes and the addition of the potassium hydroxide solution about 1 hour. The reaction mixture was stirred an additional 1.5 hours. Water was added and the crystalline product collected on a filter, washed with water and dried to yield 3.8 g. of product (I) melting at to 163 C. It was recrystallized from methanol to give an analytical sample of 7a-methylestrone 3-methyl ether (I) melting point 163 to 165"; may 276 ,i;==2,100;x1%lx. 286 t; t=2,050.

Anal. Calcd. for C H O- C, 79.95; H, 9.39.

Found: C, 80.28; H, 9.48.

Following the procedure of example 8 but substituting for dimethylsulfate the following:

(I) diethylsull'ate. (2) dipropylsulfate, (3) diisopropylsulfale. (4) dibutylsulfate. (5) di-s butylsulfute. (6) dipentylsulfate. (7) dihexylsulfale. (8) diheptylsulfate and (9) dioctylsulfate, yields. respectively.

(1) 7a-methyleslrone 3-ethyl ether (I). (2) 7a-methylestrone 3-propyl ether (1). (3) 7a-methylestrone 3-isopropyl ether (1). (4) 7a-methylestrone 3-butyl ether (I). (5) 7a-methylestrone 3-s-butyl ether (1), (6) 7a methylestrone 3-pentyl ether (1). (7) 7a-methylestrone 3-hcxyl ether (I). (8) 7a'melhylestrone 3-heptyl ether (I). and (9) 7rx-methylestrone 3-octyl ether (l).

EXAMPLE 9 7a-methylestrone 3-tetrahydr0pyraruyl ether (I) To a solution of 4 g. of 7a-methylestrone (I) in 40 ml. of tetrahydrofuran (purified by percolation through a column of alumina) and 8 ml. of freshly distilled dihydropyran, 0.4 ml. of phosphorus oxychloride was added dropwise with stirring under nitrogen and cooling in an ice bath. After the addition was completed the ice bath was removed and after an additional 15 minutes the reaction mixture was poured into a mixture of saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate, ether and ice. The ether layer was separated, washed with dilute sodium bicarbonate solution, water, dried over sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness to give 5.1 g. of 7a-methylestrone S-tetrahydropyranyl ether (1).

Following the procedure of example 9 but substituting for dihydropyran the following:

(l)dihydrofuran.

(2) 5 hydroxymethyldihydropyran.

(3) 5-carb0xydihydropyram etc..

yields, respectively.

(1) 7a-methylestronc Ltetrahydrofuranyl other (I).

(2) 7arnethylestrone 3-(5- hydrnxymcthyl)tetrahydropyranyl ether (I).

(3) 7a methylestronc 3(5 carboxy)tetrahydropyranyl ether 1). etc.

EXAMPLE l0 7a-methylestrone 3-acetate (I) To 1 g. of 7a-methylestrone (I) 2 ml. of pyridine and 1 ml. of acetic anhydride is added. The reaction mixture is kept at room temperature for about 3 hours; water is then added to precipitate the product (I) and destroy the excess acetic anhydride. Recrystallization from acetone and Skellysolve B yields 7a-methylestrone 3-acetate (I).

Following the procedure of example 10 but substituting for acetic anhydride the following:

(1) benzoic acid anhydride.

(2) propionic anhydride.

(3) butyryl chloride.

(4) i-valeryl chloride.

(5) decanoyl chloride.

(6) hexanoic anhydride.

(7) sec. octannic anhydride (8) Capric unhydride.

(9) undecyl anhydride.

(l0) dodecanoyl chloride. elc.. yields. respectively.

(I) 7a-methylestrone 3-bcnzoate (l).

(2) 7a-methylestrone 3-propionate (l),

(3) 7a-methylestrone ll-butyrate (I).

(4) 7a-methylestrone 3-i-valerate (l).

(5) 7n-methylestrone S-decancate (l), (6)7-methylestrone 3-hexanoate (l),

(7) 7amethylestrone 3-sec. octanoate (l).

(8) 7u-methylestrone 3-caproate (l),

(9) 7a-methylestrone 3-undecanoate (I),

(10) 7a -methylestrone B-dodecanoate (I), etc.

EXAMPLE 1 l 7a-methylestrone 3-trimethylsilyl ether (1) To a suspension of 4 g. of 7a-methylestrone (l) in 10 ml. of dry acetone, 6.5 ml. of hexame thyldisilazane was added. The mixture was stirred for about four days and then evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in a mixture of methylene chloride and Skellysolve B and chromatographed over a 250 g. column of Florisil. Gradient elution between 5 l. of Skellysolve B and 5 l. of 10 percent acetone-90 percent Skellysolve B yielded 2.5 g. of 7a-methylestrone 3-trimethylsilyl ether (1) having a melting point of 103 to 107 C.

Following the procedure of example 1 l but substituting other disilazanes for hexamethyldisilazane, such as symmetri cal diphenyltetramethyldisilazane, hexaamyldisilazane, etc., yields, respectively, 7a-methylestrone 3-phenyldimethylsilyl ether (1 7a-methylestrone 3-triamylsilyl ether (l), etc.

The reactions of example 1 l and the paragraph thereafter are preferably carried out with the addition of a few drops to 2 ml. of trimethylsilyl chloride.

In place of acetone in example 1 1, other inert dry solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, methylene chloride and the like, can be utilized.

EXAMPLE 12 7a, 1 7a-dimethylestradiol [7a, 1 7a-dimethylestral ,3,5 (10)-triene-3,17B-diol](ll) To a dry flask filled with nitrogen and containing 300 mg. of 7a-methylestrone (l), 10 ml. of a 1.4 N ether solution of methyl lithium was added. The reaction mixture bubbled vigorously at first and then became clear. It was refluxed for about 1 hour and then the excess methyl lithium destroyed by dropwise addition of water. The solution was acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and 1 ml. of methanol added to loosen the precipitate. The product was collected, washed with water, dried, recrystallized twice from moist methylene chloride to give 165 mg. of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol (ll), melting at 193 to 196 c.; xrllfix. 280 ,t; t=2,200.

Anal. Calcd. for C H O C, 79.95; H, 9.39.

Found: C, 79.92; H, 9.28.

Using the procedure of example 12 but replacing methyl lithium by ethyl lithium, propyl lithium and butyl lithium, yields, respectively, 7a-methyl-l7a-ethylestradiol (11), 7amethyl-l7a-propylestradiol (ll) and 7a-methyl-l7a-butylestradiol (ll).

Following the procedure of example 12 and the paragraph thereafter, but substituting 7a-methylestrone 3-methyl ether (l) and 7a-methylestrone 3-cyclopentyl ether (1) as starting materials, yields the corresponding 7a-methyl-l7B-hydroxyl7a-alkyl compounds (ll).

EXAMPLE 13 7a- 1 7a-dimethylestradiol (ll) A solution of 2.75 g. of 7a-methylestrone (l) in 70 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is added over a short period with stirring under an atmosphere of nitrogen to 25 ml. ofa 3M solution of methylmagnesium bromide in diethyl ether. The resulting mixture is distilled until the vapor temperature reaches 55 C. and the residue is then heated under reflux for approximately 4 hours. To the mixture so obtained is added carefully with stirring an iced ammonium chloride solution followed by 130 ml. of methanol and 25 ml. of5 percent aqueous sodium hydroxide. The mixture is stirred at 40 C. under nitrogen for several hours and is concentrated to about one-third volume under reduced pressure. The resulting mixture is diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether extract is washed successively with water, dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute aqueous sodium carbonate, and water before being dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate is evaporated to dryness and the residue is dissolved in methylene chloride and chromatographed over g. of Florisil. The column is eluted with Skellysolve B containing increasing proportions of acetone and those fractions of the eluate which on infrared absorption analysis show no C1 7 carbonyl absorption are combined and evaporated to dryness. The residue is recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B. There is thuspbtained 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol (ll) in the form of a crystalline solid.

Using the above procedure but replacing methylmagnesium EXAMPLE 14 7a-methyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol 3-methyl ether (11) A Grignard reagent was prepared from 14 g. of l-bromo-Z- butyne and 16 g. of magnesium in ether to provide a final volume of ml. To 17 ml. of this reagent, 1 g. of 7amethylestrone 3 methyl ether (1) was added with stirring under nitrogen. After about 1 hour, ammonium chloride solution was added and the product (11) extracted with ether. The ether extract was washed with water, dried and the solvent removed. The residue was chromatographed through a column of alumina. Some starting material (I) was eluted first. The desired product, 7a-methyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol 3- methyl ether (ll) was then eluted as a glassy foam xrfi'lx. 277 [.L; F2100). The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectra support the structure of the product.

Anal. Calcd. for C l-1 0 C, 81.77; H, 9.15.

Found: C, 81.06; H, 9.35.

Using the above procedure, 7a-methylestrone (l) and 7amethylestrone S-tetrahydropyranyl ether (1) are converted to 7a-methyl-l7a(2-butynyl)estradiol (ll) and 7a-methyl-l7a- (2-butynyl)estradiol 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether (11), respectively.

EXAMPLElS 7a-methyl-l7a(2-butynyl)estradiol (11) and 7a-methyl-l7 a-( l,2-butadienyl)estradiol Ila) To a slurry of 3 g. of 7a-methylestrone 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether (1) in 20 ml. of ether, 40 ml. of the ether solution of the Grignard reagent prepared in example 13 was added. A gummy precipitate formed and after about 20 hours at room temperature, ammonium chloride solution was added. The reaction mixture was extracted with ether and the extract washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to a gummy solid. This was dissolved in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 0.1 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid and 2 ml. of water added. After about 20 hours at room temperature, water was added and the product recovered with ether. The unreacted starting material (1) could not be separated from the desired products (11 and Ila) by chromatography so the total crude product was dissolved in methanol and treated with sodium borohydride to reduce any l7-keto material present. The excess sodium borohydride was destroyed with a small amount of dilute hydrochloric acid and the steroidal material taken up in ether. The product was chromatographed through a column of Florisil. The butynyl (11) and 1,2butadienyl (Ila) compounds were eluted together. Crystallization from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B gave 120 mg. of 7a-methyl-17a-(1,2-butadienyl)estradiol (Ila) having a melting point of 256 to 268 C., A 280 p., 1==2,100. The NMR and infrared spectra of the compound support its proposed structure.

Anal. Calcd. for C i-1 0 C, 81.61 H, 8.93.

Found: C, 81.61; H,9.16.

Concentration of the mother liquors from the 1,2-butadienyl compound (Ila) and recrystallization from a two phase mixture of methylene chloride and water, yielded 150 mg. of 7a-methyl-l7a(2-butynyl)estradiol (l1), melting at 1 17 to 123 C. with )t fiii, 281 u, e=2,060. The NMR and infrared spectra of the compound support its proposed structure.

EXAMPLE 16 7a-methyl-l7a-ethynylestradiol To about 30 ml. of liquid ammonia cooled in a Dry Ice (solid carbon dioxide)-acetone bath, 1 g. of potassium was added. Acetylene was added until the blue color disappeared, then 0.3 g. of 7a-methylestrone in 8 ml. of dioxane was added. The resulting solution was refluxed for about one-half hour then most of the ammonia allowed to escape. Water was added, the solution acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted with ether. The extracts were washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, water, dilute sodium bicarbonate, again with water, dried and the solvent removed. The residue resisted crystallization and was combined with 100 mg. of another run of the same crude product in methylene chloride and then chromatographed through a column of Florisil. The fractions that crystallized on scratching with methylene chloride-water-Skellysolve B then from methylene chloride- Skellysolve B gave 0.28 g. of 7a-methyl-l7a-ethynylestradiol, melting at 105 C. with bubbling. On drying at 100 C. under high vacuum the product changed to an amorphous solid with x,,,;,; 280 ,1, =2,190.

Following the procedure of example but substituting other starting materials for 7a-methylestrone, such as 70:- methylestrone 3-methyl ether, or 7a-methylestrone 3- cyclopenty] ether, etc., yields, respectively, 7a-methyl-l7aethynylestradiol 3-methyl ether, 7a-methyl-l7a-ethynylestradiol 3-cyclopentyl ether, etc.

Alternatively, 7a-methylestrone and its 3 ethers can be converted to the corresponding 7a-methyl-17a-ethynylestradiols by reaction with lithium acetylide-ethylenediamine complex in such solvents as dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran and other unreactive organic solvents.

Substitution of methylacetylene in example 15 and the paragraphs thereafter yields the corresponding l7a-propynyl derivatives.

EXAMPLE l7 7a-methyl-17a-ethylestradiol 3-methyl ether (11) A mixture of 6 g. of 7a-methyl-l7a-ethynylestradiol 3- methyl ether and 0.5 g. of 5 percent palladium on charcoal catalyst in 250 ml. of 95 percent ethanol was shaken with pressurized hydrogen. After hydrogen uptake ceased (and 2 moles were consumed) the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in about 200 m1. of Skellysolve B and mixed with Celite (diatomaceous earth). After boiling until the last traces of catalyst were coagulated, the solution was filtered and concentrated for crystallization. The product, 5.4 g. of 7a-methyl-l7a-ethylestradiol 3-methyl ether l l melted at 136 to 140 C., with a rotation [01],, 44, h fi fij 286 [.L and e=1,950. The NMR and infrared spectra support the proposed structure of the product.

Anal. Calcd. for C H O C, 80.44; H, 9.82.

Found: C, 80.06; H, 10.18.

Following the procedure of example 17 but substituting 7amethyl-l 7a-ethynylestradiol and 7a-methyl- 1 7a-ethynylestradiol 3-cyclopentyl ether as starting materials, yields, respectively, 7a-methyl-17a-ethylestradiol (l) and 7a-methyll7a-ethylestradiol 3-cyclopentyl ether (ll).

Following the procedure of example 17 and the paragraph thereafter, but substituting 7a-methyl-l7a-propynylestradiol and 7a-methyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol as starting materials, yields, respectively, 7a-methyl-l7a-propylestradiol, 7amethyl-17-butylestradiol and their 3-ethers.

Following the procedures of example 17 and the paragraphs thereafter, but replacing the solvent employed in the hydrogenation partly or entirely by pyridine and halting the reduction after the uptake of one equivalent of hydrogen instead of two, the l7a-alkenyl instead of the l7a-alkyl deriva tives of the 7a-methyl-l7a-alkinylestradiols are obtained. For example, reducing with one equivalent of hydrogen, compounds such as 7a-methyl-l7a-ethynylestradiol, 7a-methy1- 17a-(2-propynyl)estradio1, 7oz-mlethyl- 1 7a( 2-butynyl )estradiol and the 3-cyclopentyl ether and 3-methyl ether thereof, yields, respectively, 7a-methyl-l7a-ethenylestradiol, 7a-methyl- 1 7a-( 2-propenyl )estradiol, 7a-methyl- 1 7a-( 2-butenyl)estradiol and their 3-cyclopenrtyl ethers and 3-methyl ethers.

EXAMPLE 18 7a,17a-dimethylestradiol 3-methyl ether (11) Following the procedure of example 8, but substituting 701,1 7a-dimethylestradiol for 7a-methylestrone yields 7a,l 7adimethylestradiol 3-methyl ether. Following the procedure of example 8, but substituting 7a,17a-dlimethylestradiol for 7amethylestrone as starting material and additionally substituting for dimethylsulfate the following:

11) diethylsulfate. (2) dipropylsulfute. (3) diisopropylsulfute. (4) dibulylsulfatc. (5) di-s-butylsulfate, (6) dipenlylsullnte. (7) dihexylsull'ate, (8) diheplylsull'ale and (9) dioctylsulfute yields, respectively.

(1) 7a,] 7u-dimethylestradiol 3-cthyl ether (ll), (2) 7a.]7a-dimethyleslradiul 3-propyl ether (ll), (3) 7a,]7adimethylcstradiul Il-isopropyl ether (11), (4) 70:, l 7or-dimethylestradiol 3-bulyl ether (ll), (5) 70:, l 7a-dimethylestradiol 3-s-buty| ether [ll (6) 7a,l7a-dimethylcstrudiol Il-penlyl other (ll), (7) 7a,]7a-dimethyleslrudiol J-hexyl ether (ll). (8) 7a.]7a-dimethylestradiol 3-heptyl ether (II) and (9) 7a.l7a dimcthylestradi0l il octyl ether (ll).

Following the procedure of example 8 but substituting for 7a-methylestrone as starting material (1) 7a-methyl-l7a-ethylestrudiol (ll),

(2) 7umethyl'l7u-propylestradiol (ll),

(3) 'Iu-methyl-l7u-buty1estradiol (ll),

(4) 7a-methyl-l 7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol (ll),

(5) 7a-mcthyl-l7a( l,2-butadienyl)estradiol (lla) ctc.. yields, respectively.

(1) 7a-mcthyl-l7a-ethylestradiol 3methyl ether (11).

(2) 7a-methyl-l7a-propylestradiol 3-methyl ether (ll).

(3) 7a-methyl l7a-butylestradiol 3-methyl ether (11).

(4) 7o-methyl l7u-(2-butynyl)estradiol 3-methyl ether (11).

(5) 7a mcthyl-l7a( l,2-butndicnyl)estradiol S-methyl ether (Ila). etc.

EXAMPLE 19 7a, 1 7a-dimethylestradiol 3-tetradhydropyranyl ether (ll) Following the procedure of example 9, but substituting for 7a-methylestrone as starting material (1) 7a.l7adimethylcstradi0l (ll).

(2) 7u methyll7aethylestradiol (ll),

(3 )7-mcthyl' l 7apropy1estradiol (ll (4) 7a-methyll7a-butylestradiol (ll), and

(5) 7a-methyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)cstradiol (ll). (6) 7a-methyl- I 7a-( l ,Z-butadienyhestrudiol (lla). yields. respectively.

( l 7n,l7a-dimethylestradiol J-tetrahydropyranyl ether (ll),

(2) 7a'methyl -l7a-ethylestradiol S-tetrahydropyranyl ether (3) 7a-rnethyl-l7a-propylestradiol B-tetrahydropyranyl ether (ll),

(4) 7a-methyl-l7ni-butylestradiol J-tetradhydropyranyl ether (ll) and (5) 7a-methyl-l7u-(2-butynyl)estradiol S-tetruhydropyranyl ether (ll), (6) 7a-methyl-l7a-( l.2-butadienyl)estradiol 3 tetrahydropyranyl ether (Ila) EXAMPLE 20 7a, 1 7a-dimethylestradiol 3-trimethylsilyl ether (ll) To a suspension of 4 g. of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol (ll) in 10 ml. of dry acetone, 6.5 m1. of hexamethyldisilazane is added. The mixture is stirred for about 4 days and then evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in a mixture of methylene chloride and Skellysolve B and chromatographed over a 200 g. column of Florisil. The product is eluted with Skellysolve B containing up to l percent of acetone to give 70:, l 7a-dimethylestradiol 3-trimethylsilyl ether (ll).

Following the procedure of example 20 but substituting other disilazanes for hexamethyldisilazane, such as symmetrical diphenyltetramethyldisilazane, hexaamyldisilazane, etc., yields respectively, 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol 3-phenyldimethylsilyl ether (ll), 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol 3-triamylsilyl ether (ll), etc.

The reactions of example 20 and the paragraph thereafter are preferably carried out with the addition of a few drops to 2 ml. of trimethylsilyl chloride.

In place of acetone in example 20, other inert dry solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, methylene chloride and the like, can be utilized.

Following the procedure of example 20 but substituting for 7a,l 7a-dimethylestradiol (ll) as starting material the follow- (l) 7a-methyl-l7a-ethylestradiol (ll),

(2) 7a-methyl-l7a-propylestradiol (ll),

(3) 7a-methyl-l7a-butylestradiol (ll),

(4) 7amethyl-l7a-(2-butynyllestradiol (ll) 7a-methyl-l7a-( 1,2-butadienyl )estradiol (Ila) etc.,

yields, respectively.

(1) 7a-methyl-l7a-ethylestradiol 3-trimethylsilyl ether (ll),

(2) 7a-methyl-l7a-propylcstradiol 3-trimethylsilyl ether (3) 'lu-methyl-l7i1-butylestradiol 3'lrimethylsilyl ether (ll),

(4) 7a-mcthyl-l7a-(Z-butynyl)estradiol 3-trimethylsilyl ether (ll),

(5) 7a-methyl-l7ni-( l.2-butadienyl)estradiol 3-trimethylsilyl ether (Ila), etc.

Following the procedure of example 20 but substituting other starting materials for 7a,l7a-dimethyl estradiol (ll), such as 7a-methyl-l7a-ethylestradiol l7-acetate (ll), 7amethyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol l7-phenylacetate (ll), etc., yields, respectively, 7a-methyll 7a-ethylestradiol 3-trimethylsilyl ether l7-acetate (ll), 7a-methyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol B-trimethylether l7-phenylacetate (ll), etc.

Following the procedure of example 20, some disilylation occurs, producing 7a-methyll 7a-alkylated estradiol 3,17-bistrimethylsilyl ethers (ll). Following the procedure of example 20 but increasing the amount ofhexamethyldisilizane from 6.5 ml. to 10 ml. (and if desired increasing the reaction time) results in the formation of mainly 7a-methyll 7aalkylated estradiol 3,1 7-bistrimethylsilyl ether (ll), which can be purified by chromatography as described above.

Following the modified procedure of example 20 of the immediately preceding paragraph employing increased amounts of disilizanes, but substituting other disilizanes for hexamethyldisilizane, such as symmetrical diphenyltetramethyldisilizane, hexaamyldisilizane, etc., yields, respectively, 70:- methyl-l7a-alkylated 3,17-bisphenyldimethylsilyl ether (ll), 7a-methyll 7a-alkylated 3,17-bistriamylsilyl ether (ll), etc.

The 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol 3-silyl ethers (ll) exhibit strong estrogenic, antifertility and gonadatropin suppressing activities. They can be administered orally or, preferably, by injection.

EXAMPLE 2] (a) 704,1 7a-dimethylestradiol 3-acetate (ll) To 1 g. of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol (ll), 2 ml. of pyridine and 1 ml. of acetic anhydride is added. The reaction mixture is kept at room temperature for about 3 hours; water is then added to precipitate the product (ll) and destroy the excess acetic anhydride. Recrystallization from acetone and Skellysolve B yields 7a-methylestrone 3-acetate (ll).

Following the procedure of example 21 but substituting for acetic anhydride the following:

Following the procedure of example 2l (a) but substituting for 7a, 1 7a-dimethylestradiol (ll) as starting material (I) 7cr-mcthyll 7a-ethylestradiol (ll).

(2) 7a-methyl-l7u-propylestrudiol (ll),

(3) 7a-methyl-l7a-butylestradiol (ll).

(4) 7a-mclhyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)cstrudiol (ll),

(5) 7a-mcthyl l7a-( 1,2 hutadienyhcstradiol (lla) etc., yields, respectively.

(I) 7a-methyl- (2) 7a-methyll7u-cthylestradiol J-acctale (ll). l7cr-butylestrudiol J-acetutc (ll (4) 7a-mcthyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)cstradiul J-acetate (ll), (5) 7a-methyl-l7nr-( l ,Z-hutudienyHestrudiQl J-ucctate (Ila) etc. (b) 7a.l7a dimethylestradiul 3,l7-diphcnylacctutc A mixture of 0.75 ml. of trifluoroacetic anhydride and 1.5 g. of phenylacetic acid was heated at about C. for about 10 minutes, cooled in an ice bath and 600 mg. of 711,170:- dimethylestradiol (ll) added. The ice bath was removed and after about 2 hours water was added to the mixture. The crude product was extracted with ether, washed first with dilute sodium carbonate solution, then water, dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The solvent was removed leaving a residue of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol 3,17-diphenylacetate (ll). The product can be further purified if desired by chromotography over silica gel and by crystallization.

Following the procedure of example 21 (b) but substituting for phenylacetic acid other acids, such as acetic, propionic, butyric, isobutyric, valeric, decanoic, acrylic, benzoic, naphthoic, phenylpropionic, cyclopentylpropionic, cyclohexyl-carboxylic, etc., yields the corresponding 3,17-diester of 7a, 1 7a-dimethylestradiol (ll Following the procedure of example 21 (b) and the paragraph thereafter but substituting for 7a, 1 7a-dimethylestradiol (ll) other starting materials, such as 7a-methyl-l7a-ethylestradiol (ll), 7a-methyl-l7a-butylestradiol (ll), 7a-methyl-l7 a-pentylestradiol (ll), 7a-methyl-l7a-hexylestradiol (ll), yields the corresponding 7a-methyl-lIa-alkylestradiol 3,17- diester (ll).

Following the procedure of example 21 (b) and the paragraph thereafter but substituting for 70:, l 7a-dimethylestradiol the 3-alky1 ethers of 7a-methyl-17oalkylestradiol yields the corresponding 7a-methyl-l7a-alkylestradiol 3-alkyl ether 17- acylate.

(c) 7a,l7a-dimetl1ylestradiol I7-phenylacetate (11) The 704, l 7a-dimethylestradiol 3,1 7-diphenylacetate (ll) obtained in example 21 (b) is chromotographed through a column of alumina (Grade (11) (neutral). The 3-ester group is removed and 7a,17a-dimethylestradiol l7-phenylacetate (II) is obtained.

Following the procedure of example 21 (c) but substituting for 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol 3,17-diphenylacetate (11) other 3,17-diesters of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol such as the 3,17- diacetate, 3,1 7dipropionate, 3,17-dibutyrate, 3 ,17- divalerate, 3,17-dibenzoate, 3,17-dicyclopentylpropionate, etc., yields the corresponding 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol l7- ester (ll).

Following the procedure of example 21 (c) and the paragraph thereafter but substituting for 7a, 1 7a-dimethylestradiol 3,17-diesters (11) other starting materials, such as a 7a-methyl l7a-propylestradiol 3,17-diester (ll), 7a-methyl-l7a-butylestradiol 3,17-diester (11), etc., yields the corresponding 7amethyl-l7a-alkylestradi0l 17-ester (11).

An alternate procedure for the preparation of 701,171:- dimethylestradiol 17-phenylacetate is to use mild basic hydrolysis. To a solution of 2.5 g. of potassium carbonate in 25 ml. of water is added 225 ml. of methanol, followed by 5.0 g. of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol 3,17-diphenylacetate (11). The mixture is stirred for about 2 hours at about 20 C. then is poured into 700 ml. of water with efficient stirring, resulting in precipitation of 7a,l7a-dimethylestracliol l7-phenylacetate (11), which is then separated, e.g., by filtration, and dried. The product can be further purified by chromatography over Florisil or alumina as described above.

Following the alternate procedure of example 21 (c) given immediately above but substituting for 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol 3,17-diphenylacetate (11) other 3,17-diesters of 7amethyl-l7a-alkylestradiols yields the corresponding 7amethyl- 1 7a-alkylestradiol l7-ester (ll).

((1) 7a.l7u-dimethylestradiol l7a trimethylsilyl etherfll] Following the procedure of example 20 but substituting 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol S-acetate (11) as starting material yields 7a,l7a dimethylestradiol 3-acetate l7a-trimethylsilyl ether (11). Following the procedure of example 21 (c) results in the hydrolysis of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol 3-acetate 17atrimethylsilyl ether (11) to give 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol 17atrimethylsilyl ether (11). By substituting other 7a-methyl-17aalkylatedestradiol 3-acylates (11) as starting materials yields the corresponding 7a-methyll 7a-alkylestradiol 17atrimethylsilyl ethers (11).

As indicated above, the compounds of this invention are useful for their estrogenic activity. Administration to mammals depends on the particular compound involved, route of administration, severity of the condition being treated and the individuals response thereto. In general, a dose of between about 0.01 mg. to about mg. of each of the compounds exemplified in examples 12 through 21 and embraced within formula 11 is given orally once a day or subcutaneously or intramuscularly in a dose of 0.05 to mg. weekly to monthly in the treatment of conditions incident to the foregoing activity when incorporated in conventional pharmaceutical compositions.

The following examples illustrate the incorporation of the active ingredients of this invention in pharmaceutical formulation for use as estrogenics.

EXAMPLE 22 Compressed tablets A lot of 10,000 compressed tablets, each containing 0.05 mg. of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol or 7a-methyl-l7rx-(2-butynyl)-estradiol 3-methylether is prepared from the following ingredients:

7a, 1 7a-dimethylestradiol or 7or-mcthyl- 1 7a-( 2- butynyl)estradiol B-methylether 0.5 gm. Dicalc um phosphate 2500 gm. Methylcellulose, USP l5 cps.) 65 gm. Talc. bolted 450 gm. Calcium stearate, line powder 35 gm.

EXAMPLE 23 Hard gelatin capsules A lot of 1000 hard gelatin capsules, each containing 0.5 mg. of 7a,1 7a-dimethylestradiol or 7a-methyl- 1 7a-( Z-butynyl )estradiol 3-methyl ether is prepared from the following ingredients:

7a, 1 7a-dimethylestrndiol or 7a-methyl-l7a-(2- butynylkstradiol 3-methyl ether 05 gm. Lactose 150 gm. Calcium stcarale 2 gm. Tale 3 gm.

The lactose, talc and stearate are mixed well and incorporated into the mixture. The whole is mixed well and filled into two-piece hard gelatin capsules.

EXAMPLE 24 Soft gelatin capsules A batch of 1000 soft gelatin capsules, each containing 0.5 mg. of 7a,l7d-climethylestradiol or 7a-methyl-l7a(2-butynyl)estradiol 3methyl ether and corn oil is prepared from the following materials:

70, l 7adimcthylestradiol or 711-methyl-l7a42 butynyncstrudiol 3-methyl ether Corn oil (L5 gm.

A uniform dispersion of the active ingredient in the corn oil is prepared and the dispersion filled into soft gelatin capsules by conventional means.

EXAMPLE 25 Aqueous oral suspension An aqueous oral suspension containing in each 5 ml. 0.5 mg. of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol or 7a-methyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol 3-methyl ether is prepared from the following materials:

7a,l7a dimethylcstradiol or 7a-methyl-l7a -(2- bulynyllestradiol 3methyl ether micronized 1.0 gm. Methylparaben. USP 7.5 gm. Propylparuben, USP 2.5 gm. Saccharin sodium 12.5 gm. Cyclamate sodium 2.5 gm. Glycerin 3000 ml. Tragacunth powder gm. Orange oil flavor It) gm. FD. and C. orange dye 7.5 gm. Deionizcd water, q.s. to 10.000 ml.

EXAMPLE 26 Aqueous suspension for injection A suspending vehicle is prepared from the following materials:

Polyethylene glycol 4000 30 gm.

Potassium chloride 1 1.2 gm. Polysorbate 80 2 gm. Methylparaben 1.8 gm. Propylparaben 0.2 gm. Water for injection q.s. 1000 ml.

The parabens are added to a major portion of the water and are dissolved therein by stirring and heating to 65 C. The resulting solution is cooled to room temperature and the remainder of the ingredients are added and dissolved. The balance of the water to make up the required volume is then added and the solution sterilized by filtration. The sterile vehicle thus prepared is then mixed with 0.5 g. of 70:, 17adimethylestradiol or 7a-methyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol 3- methyl ether which has been previously reduced to a particle size less than about 10 microns and sterilized with ethylene oxide gas. The mixture is passed through a sterilized colloid mill and filled under aseptic conditions into sterile containers which are then sealed.

Each milliliter of this suspension contains 0.5 mg. 7a,l7adimethylestradiol or 7a-methyl-l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol 3- methyl ether.

As indicated above, the compounds of this invention, in addition to their use as estrogenics, when combined with progestins, e.g., 6a-methyl-l7a-hydroxyprogesterone l7- acetate (Provera 7a-methyll 7a-ethynyll 9-nortestosterone, l 7a-hydroxy-6-methyll 6-methylene-4,6- pregnadiene-3,20-dione l7-acetate (Melengestrol acetate), etc., are useful for the prevention of ovulation in mammals. Administration to mammals depends on the particular progestin and estrogen involved and the individuals respon se thereto. In general, a dose of between about 0.01 mg. to about mg. of each of the estrogens exemplified in examples 12 through 21 and embraced within formula [I plus between about 1 mg. to about 100 mg. of a progestin is given at such time(s) in the mammalian ovulatory cycle as is suitable for the prevention of ovulation.

The following examples illustrate the incorporation of the active ingredients of this invention with progestins in pharmaceutical formulation for use as anovulatories.

EXAMPLE 27 Oral tablets 50,000 tablets for oral administration are prepared from the following types and amounts of materials. Each tablet contains 3.0 mg. of 6a-methyl-l 7a-hydroxyprogesterone l7-acetate and 0.03 mg. of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol or 7a-methyl-l7a- (2-butynyl)estradiol 3-methyl ether.

ba-methyl-l 7a-hydroxyprogesterone l7-acetate 5 oz. 7u-l7a-dimethylestradiol or 7a-methyl-l7a- (Z-butynyhestradiol 3-methyl ether 23 grains Lactose 3 lbs.

The finely powdered active ingredients and lactose are mixed well and granulated with syrup-starch paste. Starch and calcium stearate are used as lubricants in the compressing step.

EXAMPLE 28 Oral tablets 10,000 tablets for oral administration are prepared from the following types and amounts of ingredients. Each tablet contains mg. of 6a-methyl-l7a-hydroxyprogesterone l7- acetate and 0.05 mg. of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol or 70:- methyl- 1 7a-( 2-butynyl)estradiol 3-methyl ether.

(m-mcthyl-l7a-hydroxyprogcsteronc l7-acetate 100 gms. 7a.l7a-dimethylestradiol or 7a-methyl-l7a- (Z-hutynyhestradiol 3-methyl ether 0.5 gms. Lactose Z600 gms.

The finely powdered active ingredients and lactose are mixed well and granulated with syrup-starch paste. Starch talc, and calcium stearate are used as lubricants in the compressing step.

EXAMPLE 29 Got-methyl-Hot-hydroxyprogesterone l7-acetute I gm 71:. I 7a-dimethylestrndiol or 7mmethyl- 17a- (2-butynyl)cstradiol 3 methyl ether 40 mg. Preservative 2 gms.

Flavor. q.s.

Purified water U.S.P.. a.s. ad 1000 mls.

The preservative and flavor are dissolved in the water. The micronized active ingredients are added and the whole is homogenized.

EXAMPLE 30 Oral gelatin capsules l000 gelatin capsules for oral administration, each contaming 10 mg. of 6a-methyl-l7a-hydroxyprogesterone l7-acetate and 0.05 mg. of 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol or 7oz-methyl-l7a- (2-butynyl)estradiol 3-methyl ether are prepared from the following types and amounts of materials:

oa-methyll 7a-hydroxyprogesteronc l7-acetate 10 gms. 7:1. I 7a-dimethylestradiol or 7a-methyll 70:- (2-butynyl)estradiol 3methy| ether 50 mg.

lngcstible oil. 1.1.5.

The micronized active ingredients and the oil are mixed and the mix is encapsulated by the usual techniques into gelatin capsules.

EXAMPLE 3] Oral tablets Following the procedure of example 17, 5000 tablets are prepared from the following types and amounts of ingredients. Each tablet:

5 mg. (ma-methyll 7ct-hydruxyprogcstcronc l7-acetate 25 gm.

0.0] mg. 7a.l7a-dimethylestrudiol or 7a-methyll7ot-(2-hutynyl)cstrudiol J-rncthyl ether 50 mg.

mg. lactose 750 gm.

3 mg. acacia 15 gm.

65 mg. starch, bolted 325 gm.

l5 gm.

3 mg. calcium stearate Tablets equally suited for the inhibition of ovulation are prepared by using 250 and 1000 mg., respectively, of the 7a,l7a-dimethylestradiol or 7a-methyl l7a-(2-butynyl)estradiol 3-methyl ether in place of the 50 mg. in the above formulation.

While the procedures described above in examples 27 through 31 recite the use of the progestin 6a-methyl-l7ahydroxyprogesterone l7-acetate, other progestational compounds can be substituted therefor to provide similarly effective anovulatory pharmaceutical formulations; e.g., 7amethyl-l 7a-ethynyll 9-nortestosterone, l7a-hydroxy-6-' methyl- 1 6-methylene-4,6-pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione l7-acetate, l7-hydroxy-l9-nor-l7a-pregn-5(10)-en-20-yn-3-one, l9-norl7a-pregn-4-en-20-yne-3B, l7-diol 3,l7-diacetate, 1?- hydroxyl 9-norl 7a-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one l7-acetate, 601,2 l-dimethyll 7B-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-yn-3-one, 6- chlorol 7a-hydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione l7-acetate, etc., can be employed instead of 6a-methyl-l7a-hydroxyprogesterone l7-acetate.

We claim:

1. A compound of the formula CH: wherein R,, R and R have the same meaning as above.

OR" 2. A compound of claim I wherein R and R" are hydrogen and R is ethylidene, namely, 7a-methyl-l7a-(1,2-butadiei1 nyl )estradiol having the formula OH;

OH I --CH=C=CHCH; R "CH3 10 q wherein R is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, the acyl radical of a hydrocarbon carboxylic acid containing from one through eight carbon atoms, an alkyl radical containing from one through eight carbon HO atoms, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 5-substituted tetrahydropyranyl, and a silyl radical of the for- 3, An oral pharmaceutical composition comprising: R1 a. about 0.01 to about 5 mg. of 7u,l7adimethylestradiol R,-si and R b. about 1 to about 100 mg. of a progestin, dispersed in an oral pharmaceutical carrier.

4. A composition in accordance with claim 3 wherein the progestin is 7a-methyll 7a-ethynyll -nortestosterone.

5. A method of preventing ovulation in ovulating mammals comprising: orally administering to ovulating mammals an effective amount of a. 7a, 1 7a-dimethylestradiol and b. a progestin.

6. A method of preventing ovulation in ovulating mammals in accordance with claim 5 wherein the progestin is 701- ,methyl- 1 7a-ethynyll 9-nortestosterone. 

2. A compound of claim 1 wherein R and R'''' are hydrogen and R'' is ethylidene, namely, 7 Alpha -methyl-17 Alpha -(1,2-butadienyl)estradiol having the formula
 3. An oral pharmaceutical composition comprising: a. about 0.01 to about 5 mg. of 7 Alpha ,17 Alpha -dimethylestradiol and b. about 1 to about 100 mg. of a progestin, dispersed in an oral pharmaceutical carrier.
 4. A composition in accordance with claim 3 wherein the progestin is 7 Alpha -methyl-17 Alpha -ethynyl-19-nortestosterone.
 5. A method of preventing ovulation in ovulating mammals comprising: orally administering to ovulating mammals an effective amount of a. 7 Alpha ,17 Alpha -dimethylestradiol and b. a progestin.
 6. A method of preventing ovulation in ovulating mammals in accordance with claim 5 wherein the progestin is 7 Alpha -methyl-17 Alpha -ethynyl-19-nortestosterone. 